Latest science news in Biology & Nature
First butterflies in space emerge
Two butterflies are trying to get their bearings in near zero gravity after emerging on the International Space Station, the first time butterflies have survived the pupal stage in orbit.
New Neurons Make Room for New Memories
Rodent study hints at a surprising role for newly born neurons in the adult hippocampus [Read more]
'Escaped' proteins add to hearing loss in elderly, UF researchers find
Age-related hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder among the elderly. But scientists are still trying to figure out what cellular processes govern or contribute to the loss...
Hundreds Of Genes Distinguish Patients Likely To Survive Advanced Melanoma
Some patients can live for years with melanoma that has spread beyond the skin to other organs. Now it may be possible to identify which patients are more likely to...
UCSD discovery allows scientists for the first time to experimentally annotate genomes
Over the last 20 years, the sequencing of the human genome, along with related organisms, has represented one of the largest scientific endeavours in the history of mankind. The information collected from genome...
What is the meaning of 'one'?
Rice University evolutionary biologists David Queller and Joan Strassmann argue in a new paper that high cooperation and low conflict between components, from the genetic level on up, give a...
Studies show marine reserves can be an effective tool for managing fisheries
Studies conducted in California and elsewhere provide support for the use of marine reserves as a tool for managing fisheries and protecting marine habitats, according to biologists at the University...
Penis tissue replaced in the lab
Tissue created in a laboratory has been used to completely replace the erectile tissue of the penis in animals.
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system...
Study uncovers new fact of coral spawning
MELBOURNE, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have determined why corals spawn for just a few nights in some locations, but elsewhere the spawning continues for...
African academies show how science can save lives
First joint report highlights importance of African scientists' advice to policy-makers.
Cultured pearls produced from queen conch
BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they have, for the first time, produced beaded and non-beaded cultured pearls from the queen conch (Strombus gigas).
Newly Discovered Fat Molecule: An Undersea Killer With An Upside
A chemical culprit responsible for the rapid, mysterious death of phytoplankton in the North Atlantic Ocean has been found. This same chemical may hold unexpected promise in cancer research.
How To Divide And Conquer 'Social Network' Of Cells
On Noah's Ark animals came in twos: male and female. In human bodies trillions of cells are coupled, too, and so are the molecules from which they are composed. Yet...
Notion That Amputee Runners Gain Advantage From Protheses Further Disputed
A new study shows that amputees who use running-specific prosthetic legs have no performance advantage over counterparts who use their biological legs.
Drought resistance explained
Much as adrenaline coursing through our veins drives our body's reactions to stress, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is behind plants' responses to stressful situations such as drought, but...
Dolphins blamed for dead porpoises
SALINAS, Calif., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Bottlenose dolphins are likely responsible for the growing number of dead porpoises appearing on California beaches, marine biologists said.
Researchers complete draft genome sequence for cassava
A team of academic, government and industry researchers has completed a first draft of the cassava (Manihot esculenta) genome. The project is an important first step in accelerating the pace...
Self-cleaning silicone gel insect wings
Researchers in Australia and the UK are flying the idea that insect wings could act as a model for making self-cleaning, frictionless, and superhydrophobic materials. They discuss the latest developments...
Learning How Animals Regenerate Body Parts
Salk Institute scientists found that dual-purpose switches controlled many of the genes activated in the regenerating cells of a zebra fish’s tail.
Instant insight: Reactions in droplets
Microfluidic droplets could become the reaction vessels of choice for much of biological research say Yolanda Schaerli and Florian Hollfelder
Genetic tests help track food web, climate change
BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - New uses of genetic testing can help track how animal diets may change due to global warming and are helping crack down on wildlife smuggling, experts...
Bill Would Limit Needle Exchanges
The provision would ban federally financed needle exchanges from being within 1,000 feet of any place children might gather, and would apply to most of the exchanges.
Great news, Ratty! Study shows UK has a whole load of voles
Water voles - one of the UK's fastest declining mammals - enjoyed a "bumper year" in 2009, a study says.
Nutritional Value Of Andalusian Lupins Revealed
Researchers in Spain have found that several species of lupins from the mountains of Andalusia have a protein content similar to that of other cultivated legumes.
Gene Therapy Stalls Development Of Huntington's Disease In Mice
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have shown that a highly specific intrabody (an antibody fragment that works against a target inside a cell) is capable of stalling the...
Feature: Frogs near freeway croak it
Why amorous urban frogs are thwarted by traffic noise - it's not as simple as you may think.
Early life stress 'changes' genes
A study in mice has shown how stress in early life can have a long-term impact on genes and on behaviour.